Secondary Grade: C+
Much like Derek Wolfe, the Broncos received a boost to their position group in the secondary in Aqib Talib. Talib’s presence back to the “No Fly Zone” is enough to put them over the top and maybe the difference in games. Against the Chiefs, the Denver Broncos lost assignment to one person they could ill afford to not cover: Tyreek Hill.
During college, Hill played a couple years at Oklahoma State and proved to be one of the more electrifying players. Due a significant lack in judgment, he was kicked off the team. Now, Hill doing the same in the NFL.
Unfortunately, the secondary made critical errors in key moments of the game with penalties and mental mistakes. Bradley Roby cannot play soft coverage against a speedy receiver like Hill and expect him to come to him. Roby needs to play press, man-to-man on the fourth down. If he closes quickly on Hill’s route game is over.
The Chiefs play on strength, as do the Broncos. Do not be concerned this is a long term problem for the Broncos heading into a possible playoff run. Trevor Siemian and the rest of the playmakers on offense must show the same confidence week after week. Defense will be fine.